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“There are plenty more games. We’ve got to try to build on that win over Leeds. We can’t be just a flash in the pan when we win one game and then go three without and then win again. We have to get building.”

Hull City are actually unbeaten in nine – but those wins mean they’ve picked up 23 points from a possible 27 while Stoke only got 18 from a possible 30 in their 10-game unbeaten run up to Christmas.

That left Stoke in mid-table and one point in three over Christmas led to Gary Rowett’s exit and Jones came in with a new broom.

Clucas said: “It was unfortunate that results didn’t work out (under Rowett) – and it’s easier to sack the manager than get rid of 22 players! It’s always unfortunate for a manager in that sense.

“When a new manager comes in you always get that bounce, the training intensity steps up a little bit because everyone is desperate to impress and players who have not been used previously, like Charlie (Adam) and Moritz (Bauer), are suddenly back involved under a new manager with different ideas when they thought they might be leaving.

“It puts everyone back on a level playing field. You’ve got to get your head down and show him what you’re about in training.”

Tyrese Campbell waves to fans after being substituted during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Leeds United at the bet365 Stadium.

Adam has immediately been an influential figure since returning from an eight-month break from starting a league game.

So too, Clucas was keen to point out, has been Tyrese Campbell, who has made the first two starts of his professional career in the last two games.

The midfielder, who slotted in as a goal-scoring left wing-back last weekend, said: “Charlie’s played at the top level, played in big games, played for his country and his passing range is one of the best I’ve seen.

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“He’s been brilliant since I’ve been here even when he’s been in the dark, out of the squad. He’s come back into the team and taken his chance, which I think he deserved.

“The same goes for Tyrese, a young boy at the other end of his career – not at the end like Charlie! – and he’s deserved his chance too. I was really pleased to have him out there against Leeds after his performance against Shrewsbury and at Shrewsbury as well.

“He’s come in and created goals and scored goals. He deserves his chance.”